This trade spotlight looks at the global success Minecraft as it arrives on disc in Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition.

We detail the in-game features as well as the range of other Minecraft items retailers can stock in-store.

Minecraft: Xbox 360 is released on June 28th.

- The global phenomenon that is Minecraft is arriving at retail with the hugely popular Xbox 360 edition of the game on disc.- Players mine for blocks and use them to build anything they can imagine while fending off monsters.- The Pocket version of the game hit the 10m units sold mark earlier this month, while the 360 edition has remained at the top of the XBLA charts almost every week since its release last year, selling more than 6m units.- Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition will come with a free 48-hour Xbox Live Gold subscription.- The game also brings consumers elements designed specifically for the 360, including a new crafting interface, tutorial mode and endgame battle.- Gamers can play together and combine Xbox Live and local split-screen play with up to eight players.

THERE is already enough Minecraft-related goodies available to retailers to let them open up dedicated Minecraft stores.There are Minecraft foam toys by ThinkGeek, recreating the in- game sword and axe, as well as the LEGO Minecraft set.Minecraft-inspired clothing is also available as well as the officially licenced 12-inch Steve Head costume that consumers can pop over their head for any respectable fancy dress party.Retailers can even stock Minecraft For Dummies, a strategy guide detailing the skills, tips and walkthroughs that will help players get the most out of the game.Due to Minecraft’s vast success, several books are currently being written on the importance of the title within gaming history, such as the upcoming biography Minecraft: The Unlikely Tale of Markus “Notch” Persson and the Game that Changed Everything.

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